Sports
KFN Wants Modern Equipment
The Chief Coach of the Kick boxing Federation of Nigeria (KFN) Wilson Okon, has appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to assist the body in upgrading its training equipment.
Okon told newsmen in Lagos that the equipment the body currently uses for the training of its athletes was now obsolete.
“We don’t have the right kind of equipment to train our athletes because the one we have right now, and it impeded our training schedule,’’he said.
He gave the names of the latest kickboxing equipment as hand bandage, crotch (breast guard for female), groin guard, long pant (for full contact), short pant (for low kick).
Others are tooth guard, head guard, foot guard, shine guard and head guard, adding that the upgraded version of these equipment are currently being used in international kickboxing competitions.
According to him, the head guard being used in the KFN is made of leather material which generates sweat thereby making it unhealthy for general use.
“The leather head guard is no longer in vogue, besides it is not healthy for athletes, and has now been upgraded to fiber; which does not accommodate sweat,’’ he said.
The coach added that the equipment should be made available as soon as possible, and made available to athletes to augment their training.
He added that as a growing sport, kickboxing has the potentials to garner laurels for the country in future competitions, and should be accorded the necessary to grow,’ the coach said,
Okonalso urged state governments to support their state association in the procurement of the equipment, as the 18th National Sports festival approaches.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.